Garderie nocturne

Night Nursery
In the district town of Bobo-Dioulasso, near Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou, sex workers entrust their children to Ms Coda, an elderly woman who has been taking care of countless such charges for decades while their mothers take to the streets at night to work. Over the years, filmmaker Moumouni Sanou has managed to gain the trust of everyone involved in this unique set-up, together with a huge amount of insight into the lives of Odile and Farida, both of whom rely on Ms Coda’s services. He tenderly observes all aspects of their situation, including domestic work, downtime and the most intimate moments of motherhood, as well as their relationship to Ms Coda and how she raises their children. Female experience is at the heart of the film, and men and the fathers of these children remain absent, except in the stories Farida and Odile share of their sex work while at home in their leisure time, which range from amusing to deeply harrowing. Sanou’s careful, respectful gaze makes this film a true testimony to the virtues of horizontal filmmaking, with its heightened sense of attention and sensitivity to the protagonists felt throughout.
by Moumouni Sanou
with Odile Kambou, Fatim Tiendrebeogo
Burkina Faso / France / Germany 2021 Dioula 67’ Colour Documentary form

Part of the Berlinale Summer Special

With

  • Odile Kambou
  • Fatim Tiendrebeogo

Crew

Written and Directed by Moumouni Sanou
Cinematography Pierre Laval
Editing François Sculier
Sound Design Ivan Broussegotte
Sound Corneille Houssou
Production Manager Berni Goldblat
Producer Berni Goldblat
Co-Producers Faissol Gnonlonfin, Meike Martens
Co-Production VraiVrai Films Saintes
Blinker Filmproduktion Köln

Moumouni Sanou

Born in 1987 in Burkina Faso. He studied film and works as an editor, cinematographer and director. Garderie nocturne is his first feature-length film.

Filmography

2014 N’goni fo Sékouba ou l'esprit des chasseurs; 52 min.

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2021